The Australian controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," stated the European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, further nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world bodies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
Even as this global debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.