Australia's bold policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising group of states are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a good starting point," stated the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust data".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the state government level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to copy this example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more measured position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
Even as this international conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
