The Australian bold action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law may be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said the European lawmaker behind the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, international organizations adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
Even as this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
