The Australian controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Movement
In Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," said one European lawmaker behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Outside of the West, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this international debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
