Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," stated the MEP behind the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive research".
Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who died after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and suitable for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state level amid national stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide debate continues, the policies of this nation and its followers show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
