The Australian bold action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Trend
In Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," commented one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating parental consent for minors to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.
Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
