The Australian decisive move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward parallel bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," said a leading MEP driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state government level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
