Australia's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law could be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," stated one European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the local government level amid national gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
Even as this global conversation continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that states internationally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
