The Australian bold policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a growing group of states are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," commented a leading MEP supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level amid federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Outside of the West, other states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
