The Australian decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of states are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," stated a leading MEP driving the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Views
Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this global conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
