Australia's bold action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering similar bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," stated one parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the local level amid national inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic this example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of these regions, additional states are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this international conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
