The Australian controversial action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to approve a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong research".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a young person who died after viewing harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the regional government level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that states internationally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
