The Australian bold move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"An effective age limit is a good first step," commented one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the state government level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that states internationally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
