The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy could be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," commented one parliamentarian driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust data".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, action is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this international discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
