The Australian decisive move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation could be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a useful first step," commented one MEP behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from these regions, additional nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global agencies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.
As this international debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
