Australia's decisive action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," said a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain figures to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, additional countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
