Australia's bold move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," said the MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, interest built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the regional government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
As this international debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
