Australia's decisive policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of states are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," commented the parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have raised concerns. An organization founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Beyond these regions, additional states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
