Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of states are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's youth". A law may be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive data".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the state level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, further states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
As this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers show that governments globally are less and less content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
