Australia's controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," commented the European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong research".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," stated a leading peer.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, action is primarily happening at the state level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this international conversation continues, the actions of Australia and its followers show that governments globally are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
