Australia's bold move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring comparable bans.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong data".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who died after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," stated a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is primarily occurring at the local government level amid national inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this global conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
