The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," commented the parliamentarian behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional government level due to federal inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, additional countries are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation continues, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
