The Australian bold policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward comparable measures.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," said the MEP supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and fit for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is largely happening at the regional government level amid country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations adopt a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
Even as this global conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
