The Australian controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not create binding law.
"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," stated a leading MEP behind the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to follow this example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Outside of the West, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this international debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
