The nation's controversial policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Momentum
In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting 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 parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust data".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the regional level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various figures to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from these regions, further states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this global discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
