Australia's bold policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to approve a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, support built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and fit for children," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from some politicians to follow this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
