The Australian bold move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy could be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to pass a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not establish binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," commented the MEP behind the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Previously, support grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a influential peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some figures to copy this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
Even as this international discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.