The Australian controversial action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward comparable bans.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy could be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to approve a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a good foundation," stated the parliamentarian behind the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the state government level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of these regions, additional states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
As this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
