The Australian decisive policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," commented one parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Last year, support gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, action is mostly happening at the local government level due to national stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from these regions, other countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and others indicate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
