Australia's bold action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," said a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various figures to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global debate continues, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
