Australia's decisive move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the state level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this international discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
