Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"An effective age limit is a good first step," commented one European lawmaker behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong data".
Previously, support built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the state government level due to country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond these regions, other countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, world organizations take a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are less and less content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
