Australia's bold action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a law raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," commented a leading MEP behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and suitable for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, other countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.
Even as this global conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
