The Australian bold action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing number of states are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," stated one MEP driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and fit for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the local government level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Outside of these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, international bodies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers show that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
