The Australian bold move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on robust evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the regional level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond the West, further states are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
