Australia's controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law could be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," commented the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
As this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
