Australia's controversial policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," said the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust data".
Previously, momentum built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and fit for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
While this international conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
