The Australian controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said one parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong research".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are secure and fit for minors," stated a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the state level due to national gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
