Australia's controversial move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of states are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," said one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful online content contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the local government level due to national stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.
As this global conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that states around the world are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
