Australia's bold policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," stated the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the regional government level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to copy this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this global discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
