Australia's bold move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not create binding law.
"A strong age limit is a useful first step," commented a leading MEP driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust data".
Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond these regions, further states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.
As this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.