Australia's bold policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to enact a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good starting point," commented one parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and suitable for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to mimic this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of the West, additional nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.
Even as this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
