The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation could be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a good first step," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on robust data".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments globally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
