The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". A law may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive research".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.
Even as this global discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers globally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
