The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of states are considering parallel bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," said one parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state government level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, additional countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
As this international conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that governments globally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
