Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," commented one parliamentarian driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong research".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
While this worldwide debate continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
