The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing group of states are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," commented one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. An organization established by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to copy this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from the West, further states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
