The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy could be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to enact a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," said a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust data".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and fit for young users," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, action is primarily happening at the local government level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies take a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
