The Australian controversial move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," stated the European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is largely happening at the local government level amid federal inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
As this international conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
