The Australian bold policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be passed soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to approve a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and fit for children," said a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the state government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this global debate evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
