Australia's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," said one MEP supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust research".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and fit for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is mostly occurring at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Beyond these regions, additional nations are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
As this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and others show that states internationally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
