Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be passed soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to block their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a good foundation," commented one European lawmaker behind the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this global discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and others show that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
