Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising group of states are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," commented one parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust research".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, action is primarily happening at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from the West, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
As this international debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and others indicate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
