Australia's decisive move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy could be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not create binding law.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," commented one MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong research".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and fit for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the regional level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, additional states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.
While this worldwide debate continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
