The Australian decisive move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples 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 Trend
In Europe, a rising number of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not enact binding law.
"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," commented the MEP driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the regional level due to national gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to follow this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, other countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that states globally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
