The Australian decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the state level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies strike a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
While this international debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
