The Australian bold action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," commented one European lawmaker behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong data".
Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various figures to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
