The Australian bold action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
In Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," stated one MEP behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and fit for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the regional level due to federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this international debate continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are less and less willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
