The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering parallel bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation may be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful first step," said one MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, support built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who died after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create 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 create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the local level due to national gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to mimic this path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Apart from the West, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.
While this global discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states around the world are no longer content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
