The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," commented a leading MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond the West, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.
While this international discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
