Australia's bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of states are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," commented the MEP driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust research".
Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is mostly occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, other states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
