Australia's bold move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a law 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 government panel has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," said a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
While this global conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
