The Australian decisive policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," commented the MEP behind the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a influential peer.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the regional level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Apart from the West, additional states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and others indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
