Australia's bold policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of states are exploring parallel measures.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," said a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on robust data".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from the West, additional countries are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations take a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are less and less content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
