Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering comparable bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," stated the MEP behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong research".
Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and fit for children," said a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, further nations are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
As this global discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
