The Australian controversial policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," stated the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong research".
Last year, support built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, action is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Views
Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this international debate unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
