The Australian controversial policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Across Europe, a rising group of nations are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a solid first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level amid federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, world bodies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
As this international debate evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
