The Australian bold action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
In Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law may be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," commented one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust research".
Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, action is largely happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
Even as this global debate evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that governments internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
