The Australian decisive move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," stated a leading MEP driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Charities have raised concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the regional government level amid national gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Apart from the West, other states are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that governments around the world are less and less content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
