The Australian bold action to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be passed next year.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive research".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the issue.
Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and fit for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the regional government level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, further countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world organizations strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this international discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
