The Australian bold policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and fit for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the local government level amid federal inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, world bodies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
As this global debate continues, the steps of Australia and others show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
