Australia's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," commented one parliamentarian driving the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful online content argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," stated a leading peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, action is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Views
Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global agencies take a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers show that states globally are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
