The Australian bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," stated the MEP supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are secure and fit for young users," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is primarily occurring at the state level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to follow this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Beyond the West, further countries are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.
As this international conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states globally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
