Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "an tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Beyond these regions, additional states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global debate evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that states globally are less and less content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
