The Australian controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Trend
In Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward comparable measures.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful online content contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the local level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Outside of the West, additional states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
Even as this international discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that states globally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
