Australia's decisive move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a rising group of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation could be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," said one MEP supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the regional government level due to national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
