Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering similar bans.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," stated one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," commented a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the local level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to follow this example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond these regions, further states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, world agencies take a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
