The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," commented a leading MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on strong research".
Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Outside of the West, additional countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.
While this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
