The Australian controversial move to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy could be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to enact a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not create binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," said one European lawmaker supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong data".
Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to follow this example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international bodies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of Australia and others indicate that governments around the world are increasingly content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
