The Australian bold move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a increasing group of states are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's youth". A law may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to enact a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," said one MEP driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and fit for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the local government level due to federal inaction.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this international debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that states around the world are no longer content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
