The Australian controversial action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring comparable measures.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to pass a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," said the parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government vowed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the local level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Outside of the West, other nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
Even as this global debate continues, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that states globally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
