Australia's bold policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are exploring comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," stated the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the state government level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, further countries are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, world bodies take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
