Australia's controversial action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," said one MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust data".
Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization established by the family of a young person who died after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain figures to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Apart from the West, further states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that governments around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
