Australia's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation could be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a good foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and fit for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.
As this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states globally are no longer content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
