Australia's controversial action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a good first step," stated the European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a influential peer.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
As this global debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers around the world are no longer content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
