Australia's bold move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of states are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to pass a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," said the MEP driving the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the local level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, other states are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers show that states internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
