The Australian controversial move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law could be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," said a leading MEP driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".
Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering harmful online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and fit for children," commented a leading peer.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Apart from these regions, other nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, international agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
Even as this worldwide debate continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that governments internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
