Australia's bold action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," stated the European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some figures to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Outside of the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
