The Australian bold action to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," stated one European lawmaker behind the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations strike a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
