Australia's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.
"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," stated the MEP behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, additional countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, world organizations strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this global discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers show that states globally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
