The Australian decisive policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law could be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A clear age limit is a solid first step," said the European lawmaker behind the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on strong data".
Previously, momentum built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to follow this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond these regions, additional countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this international discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and others show that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
