The Australian bold move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to enact a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," stated the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and fit for children," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations take a more cautious position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
As this international discussion continues, the policies of Australia and others show that states around the world are no longer content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
