Australia's controversial action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Movement
In Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". A law is expected to be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," said one MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the state level amid country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Apart from these regions, other states are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
Even as this global discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
