Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," commented the parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and fit for children," said a leading peer.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Beyond these regions, other nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
