The Australian controversial policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Trend
In Europe, a rising number of nations are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy could be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," commented one MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong research".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to follow this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from the West, other nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this global discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.