Australia's decisive policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are exploring similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good foundation," said one MEP behind the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong research".
Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the family of a girl who died after encountering disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and suitable for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, action is mostly happening at the state government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, other states are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this global debate evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers indicate that governments internationally are increasingly content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
