The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward similar bans.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," said the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust data".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
