The Australian bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban is "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," commented a leading MEP behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Outside of the West, additional states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations strike a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others indicate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
