Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Movement
In Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring parallel bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," stated the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong data".
Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a influential child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local government level due to federal inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Apart from the West, other states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
