Australia's decisive action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good first step," commented one parliamentarian behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and fit for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local government level due to federal inaction.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to follow this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this global discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
