The Australian bold move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Trend
In Europe, a growing number of countries are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," stated one European lawmaker behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
As this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
