The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," commented the European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a prominent peer.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Beyond the West, further nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and others show that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
