The Australian decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not establish binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented the MEP behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to follow this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
Even as this global debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
