Australia's decisive policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of states are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to enact a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.
"A clear age limit is a good starting point," commented the MEP supporting the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, support built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's 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 peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Apart from these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global organizations adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states globally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
