The Australian controversial policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a useful first step," commented the parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong data".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the state government level due to national gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
