Australia's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising number of nations are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good first step," commented one parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and fit for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, other states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies take a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
As this international discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
