The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of states are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a useful first step," commented the parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a prominent peer.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the local government level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states globally are less and less willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
