The Australian decisive policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," commented a leading MEP behind the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, support built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and fit for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is mostly occurring at the state government level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various figures to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, world bodies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
While this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments globally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
