The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring similar restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation may be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," commented the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various figures to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, further states are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, world agencies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
As this international conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and others show that governments internationally are less and less content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
