The Australian controversial move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a good starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," said a prominent peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is largely occurring at the state government level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, additional nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.
As this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
