Australia's bold policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," commented the MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, action is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond these regions, other countries are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this international debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
