Australia's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". A law could be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to approve a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," commented one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive research".
Earlier, support grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who died after viewing harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a influential peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the local level due to national stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond these regions, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.
As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
