The Australian decisive policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," commented one parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to copy this path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond the West, additional nations are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
As this global debate evolves, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
