The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to pass a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is largely happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of the West, other countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that states around the world are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
