Australia's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," commented the European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is largely happening at the state level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of Australia and others show that states internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
