The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring comparable measures.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a useful first step," stated one European lawmaker driving the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and fit for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the local government level due to federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
Even as this international debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
