Australia's bold action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," said one European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and suitable for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level due to federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Apart from these regions, additional countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
Even as this international discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
