The Australian controversial move to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of countries are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," said the MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state government level due to national stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various figures to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Outside of the West, other nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global discussion continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
