Australia's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence 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 remains "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good starting point," said one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading peer.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Outside of these regions, other states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.
Even as this global conversation continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers globally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
