Australia's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to pass a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," stated a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, action is largely occurring at the state level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, additional nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this international discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments around the world are less and less content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
