Australia's controversial action to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Trend
In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a useful first step," said the MEP supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various figures to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Apart from these regions, other states are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this international debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
