The Australian decisive policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," said one European lawmaker driving the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various figures to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and others show that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
