The Australian controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". A law may be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, support built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to follow this path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, additional countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
