Australia's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of nations are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have raised warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the state level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to copy this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, further states are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this international debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
