Australia's decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
In Europe, a rising number of nations are considering comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy could be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," stated the MEP supporting the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that states internationally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
