The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not establish binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," commented the MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust evidence".
Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is mostly occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond these regions, additional states are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this international discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
