The Australian bold policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering comparable bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust research".
Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
As this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
