The Australian controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," stated one MEP supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various figures to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, international agencies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this global debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that states internationally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
