The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation could be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," stated the MEP driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from various figures to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Apart from the West, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
While this international debate evolves, the steps of this nation and others indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
