The Australian decisive move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our children's youth". The policy may be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," stated the MEP behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong data".
Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," said a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to follow this example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Beyond these regions, further states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies take a more measured position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
