The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of nations are considering parallel bans.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation may be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to enact a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," said the MEP driving the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong data".
Last year, support built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and fit for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and others indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
