The Australian bold action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising group of countries are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation may be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"An effective age limit is a good starting point," said one parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, action is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain figures to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
While this international debate evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers show that states around the world are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
