The Australian controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," commented one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who died after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the regional government level due to national gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of the West, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
