The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who died after encountering harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and fit for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, further nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this global conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states around the world are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
