The Australian decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a proposal raising 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 those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," stated the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong data".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
While this international conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
