Australia's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring comparable bans.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," said one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a influential peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the local level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
As this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers show that governments globally are no longer content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
