The Australian bold action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "an measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not enact binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive data".
Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the state government level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, additional countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
While this global conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that states internationally are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
