The Australian controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust evidence".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful online content argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the local level due to national gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Outside of these regions, additional nations are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers indicate that governments globally are less and less content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
