The Australian decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". A law could be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," said the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
As this international discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
