The Australian controversial move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust data".
Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the state level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Beyond these regions, additional countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
As this global conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others show that governments globally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
