The Australian controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy may be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to enact a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," said the European lawmaker supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Earlier, support built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and suitable for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the state government level due to national stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, further nations are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this global debate evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers indicate that governments internationally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
