The Australian decisive move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," stated a leading MEP supporting the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the government committed to further research the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the state level amid federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of these regions, further nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations take a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
