The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to pass a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good first step," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the local government level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Beyond the West, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.
While this international debate evolves, the actions of this nation and others indicate that governments around the world are less and less content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
