The Australian bold action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring comparable bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation could be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in strong research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the state government level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world bodies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
While this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
