Australia's bold action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". A law may be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," commented the MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization established by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local government level amid national stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to mimic this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
As this global discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
