Australia's bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," commented the MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and calls from various politicians to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond these regions, further states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
As this worldwide debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
