The Australian decisive action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," stated the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and others indicate that states internationally are less and less content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
