Australia's controversial policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "an measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and fit for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local government level amid national gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating parental consent for minors to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.
Even as this global discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and others indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
