Australia's bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering parallel bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," stated the European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and suitable for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the state level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, further states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.
Even as this international conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
