Australia's bold move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," said a leading MEP supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, regulation is largely happening at the regional government level amid national inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, additional states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of Australia and others indicate that governments around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
