The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring similar restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," said the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and suitable for children," said a leading peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from these regions, additional states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
While this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
