The Australian controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "an options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to approve a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a useful first step," said the MEP supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond the West, other countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this global discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
