The Australian controversial move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good first step," commented one European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust research".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to further research the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is largely happening at the local level amid country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
