The Australian controversial move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Apart from these regions, additional nations are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
