The Australian decisive action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," said one parliamentarian behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, support built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to copy this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other states are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that states around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
