The Australian decisive policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," stated the parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful online content argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the local government level amid national stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond these regions, other nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this international debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
