Australia's controversial action to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of states are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". A law may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," said a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the local level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, world agencies adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.
While this global debate evolves, the actions of Australia and others indicate that governments globally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
