Australia's decisive move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our children's youth". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," stated one parliamentarian behind the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the regional level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and calls from various politicians to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Outside of these regions, other nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are less and less content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
