The Australian decisive policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age limit is a solid first step," commented one MEP behind the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to copy this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Outside of the West, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this global discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
