The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring comparable bans.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated the parliamentarian behind the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, interest grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. An organization established by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a prominent peer.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is mostly happening at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to copy this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond these regions, further nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.
As this international debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that states internationally are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
