The Australian bold move to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," commented one European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".
Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and fit for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the local level amid national gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of the West, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and others show that states around the world are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
