The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". The policy could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," stated the MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, action is mostly happening at the regional government level due to national stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of these regions, additional countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
As this worldwide conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that states internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
