Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Movement
In Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good foundation," stated the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to follow this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Beyond the West, further countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
As this international discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
