The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," said the MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for minors to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Beyond these regions, further countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
As this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
