Australia's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law may be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a good starting point," said one MEP supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on strong data".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a prominent peer.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Apart from these regions, additional nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.
While this international debate unfolds, the policies of this nation and others show that states around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
