The Australian controversial move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," stated the European lawmaker behind the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," stated a leading peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is mostly happening at the local government level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, further nations are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies take a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.
As this international conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and others show that policymakers globally are less and less content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
