The Australian controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented one MEP driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the local level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Outside of the West, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that states globally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
