Australia's controversial move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," commented a leading MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive data".
Last year, support gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a influential peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the local level due to federal inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Beyond the West, additional states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.
While this international conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
