Australia's bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward parallel bans.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, support gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration vowed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of the West, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this international conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and others show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
