Australia's controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," said one MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive data".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the state government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain figures to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide debate continues, the actions of this nation and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
