Australia's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, action is primarily happening at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
Even as this global debate unfolds, the actions of this nation and others indicate that states around the world are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
