Australia's decisive action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring comparable measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised families to block their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented the MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong data".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the local level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from some figures to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Apart from these regions, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
Even as this global discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that governments globally are less and less willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
