The Australian bold action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Trend
In Europe, a growing group of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," said the European lawmaker driving the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have raised concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and fit for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the regional government level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this global debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
