Australia's bold action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," stated the MEP driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust data".
Last year, interest grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the family of a girl who died after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the regional level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Apart from the West, other states are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.
As this international discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers show that states internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
