The Australian bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," said the parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong research".
Last year, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Charities have raised warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the regional government level due to national inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to copy this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Apart from these regions, further states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.
Even as this international discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments globally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
