The Australian bold action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's youth". The policy could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," stated the European lawmaker behind the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and fit for children," said a influential peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, further countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
While this international debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that governments around the world are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
