Australia's bold policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring comparable measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong research".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to follow this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond the West, further states are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this global discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that states globally are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
