Australia's controversial action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a useful first step," said the parliamentarian behind the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, action is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
Even as this international conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
