The Australian decisive action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," commented the parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading peer.
America: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Beyond these regions, additional states are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations take a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are less and less content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
