Australia's bold move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of nations are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a law raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," commented the parliamentarian driving the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust research".
Earlier, support built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the local level amid national inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of Australia and its followers show that governments globally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
