Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". A law could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law increasing 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 recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not establish binding law.
"An effective age limit is a good starting point," commented the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive data".
Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, additional countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.
As this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
