The Australian bold move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," said one MEP driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential peer.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the state level due to national stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from some politicians to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global agencies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of Australia and others show that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
