Australia's decisive move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "an tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the MEP behind the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy this path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of the West, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
