Australia's decisive move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," said one parliamentarian driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global agencies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this international debate evolves, the steps of Australia and others indicate that governments around the world are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
