The Australian decisive policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a good first step," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to copy this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Outside of the West, further countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this international debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others show that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
