Australia's decisive move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and fit for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is primarily happening at the state government level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this global discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that governments internationally are no longer content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
