The Australian bold move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," stated one European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong research".
Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the state level due to national inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
