The Australian controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to enact a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," said one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety 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 tools that are secure and fit for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the regional government level due to national inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to follow this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
As this global discussion continues, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
