Australia's bold policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," commented one MEP behind the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and fit for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Outside of these regions, additional nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this global discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and others indicate that states globally are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
