The Australian controversial move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Trend
In Europe, a growing group of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," commented the MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Last year, support built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the state government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond the West, additional nations are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world bodies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global debate evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
