Australia's controversial action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward similar bans.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation may be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and suitable for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, action is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are less and less content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
