Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good foundation," commented one parliamentarian behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Beyond the West, other nations are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
While this global debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
