Australia's decisive policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a good first step," commented the MEP driving the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, action is largely happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this international conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and others indicate that states globally are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
