Australia's bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good first step," commented one MEP supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, action is largely happening at the state government level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to follow this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Beyond these regions, additional states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies take a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
As this international debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
