The Australian decisive move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," commented the parliamentarian behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on robust evidence".
Previously, support built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, further nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
