The Australian controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, further countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, world agencies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
While this worldwide debate continues, the actions of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
