The Australian decisive action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward similar bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," stated one MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on strong data".
Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the state level amid federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations take a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
