The Australian bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are considering comparable bans.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," said one European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on strong data".
Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and fit for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from the West, additional countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.
As this global debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
