The Australian controversial move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are considering similar bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy may be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," stated the MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive data".
Last year, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the state level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to follow this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Beyond these regions, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of Australia and its followers show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
