Australia's decisive action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". A law could be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.
"An effective age limit is a solid first step," commented the European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the local level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this international conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
