The Australian controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be formalized soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust research".
Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have raised warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this global discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and others show that states globally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
