The Australian controversial action to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation may be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," stated the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, support built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," said a influential peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, action is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of the West, further states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
As this global discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that states internationally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
