The nation's bold action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward parallel bans.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," stated one parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust data".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level due to national stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies take a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
