🔗 Share this article

The Australian controversial action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A clear age limit is a good starting point," commented a leading MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust data".

Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the local government level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, additional countries are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies take a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers show that governments internationally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.