Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," stated the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, additional states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
