The Australian decisive policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
European Movement
In Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering similar measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to approve a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," commented the MEP behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the local government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, further nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.
While this international discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that states internationally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
