The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of states are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law may be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a prominent peer.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, action is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
As this international debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
