The Australian controversial move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a good first step," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust evidence".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Outside of the West, additional states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.
Even as this international debate continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that states globally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
