The Australian bold action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring comparable bans.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to approve a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," said one European lawmaker behind the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level due to national inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations strike a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
While this international discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
