The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law could be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful first step," commented the parliamentarian behind the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the topic.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level amid federal inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of these regions, further countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.
Even as this global debate continues, the policies of Australia and others show that states internationally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
