Australia's decisive move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a solid first step," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the local government level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this international debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
