Australia's controversial action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to block their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong research".
Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and fit for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world organizations strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
