Australia's controversial policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," said the European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the government vowed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from these regions, additional states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
As this international discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and others indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
