The Australian decisive action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". A law could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a good first step," stated the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the regional government level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to copy this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
