The Australian controversial action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are considering comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong research".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the local level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various figures to copy this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from these regions, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.
As this global discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
