The Australian decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," stated one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong research".
Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, action is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, other states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
As this international discussion continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
