The Australian bold action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," stated a influential peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world agencies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
