Australia's bold policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy could be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not enact binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," said the parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have raised concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state government level amid federal inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Outside of the West, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
As this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that states internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
