Australia's controversial move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to pass a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said the European lawmaker driving the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who died after viewing harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the local level due to national gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
Even as this international discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
