The Australian bold action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a good first step," stated one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the regional level amid national inaction.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
