The Australian bold action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring comparable bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation may be passed soon.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," stated one parliamentarian behind the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, action is mostly happening at the state government level amid country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
Even as this global discussion continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
