Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of states are considering comparable bans.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's youth". The policy may be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," stated one MEP behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," said a leading peer.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, regulation is largely happening at the state level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, world organizations strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
