The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," said a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is largely happening at the state level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding parental consent for minors to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to follow this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, other nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others show that states around the world are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
