Australia's controversial action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to pass a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," stated the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong research".
Previously, support grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level amid national inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Beyond these regions, other nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this global debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
