Australia's bold policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of states are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to enact a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a good first step," stated a leading MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who died after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.
While this international debate evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
