The Australian controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of nations are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good starting point," commented one parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the government committed to further research the matter.
Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, additional states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
