Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Trend
In Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". 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 children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," commented one parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong research".
Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to follow this path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of the West, further nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.
As this global discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and others indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
