The Australian controversial move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of states are considering similar restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing 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 digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated the MEP behind the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, action is primarily occurring at the state government level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
Even as this global discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
