The Australian decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to pass a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a solid first step," stated a leading MEP supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong research".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of the West, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this international debate evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that states globally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
