The Australian decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Trend
In Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," commented a leading MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a young person who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to follow this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations take a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
While this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers globally are less and less willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
