The Australian controversial move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are considering similar measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, support built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, additional countries are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of this nation and others indicate that governments internationally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
