Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good foundation," stated one parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Outside of these regions, other states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this global conversation continues, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
