The Australian controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," commented one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust research".
Previously, support grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level amid federal inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
