The Australian controversial move to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar bans.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation could be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for joining 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 endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the regional government level due to national stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states around the world are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
