The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," commented one MEP supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, action is mostly occurring at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Outside of these regions, additional states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that states around the world are less and less content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
