Australia's controversial action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," commented the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust data".
Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is primarily occurring at the state level due to national inaction.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from these regions, additional nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international organizations take a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
Even as this global conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments around the world are no longer content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
