🔗 Share this article

Australia's controversial action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust evidence".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, regulation is mostly occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from these regions, further countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global agencies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this global discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and others show that policymakers globally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.