Australia's controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the state government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
While this global debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
