The Australian bold policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, interest grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the local level due to country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Apart from the West, other states are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this global conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
