Australia's decisive action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of states are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," stated one MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
As this global discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
