The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a good foundation," stated the European lawmaker driving the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and fit for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the state level amid federal inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Apart from the West, additional nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
As this global debate evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
