The Australian decisive move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," stated the MEP supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong research".
Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have raised warnings. An organization founded by the family of a young person who died after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide debate continues, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that governments globally are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
