The Australian controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of nations are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". A law could be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, support built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, action is largely happening at the state level due to national inaction.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from these regions, additional nations are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international bodies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others show that governments around the world are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
