Australia's bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a growing number of nations are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the regional level amid federal inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, other nations are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, world bodies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that states internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
