The Australian bold action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," said the parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong research".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a girl who died after viewing harmful online content contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the regional government level due to national inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Beyond the West, other states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, world bodies take a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global debate evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that states globally are no longer content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
