The Australian controversial move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," commented one parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of the West, additional nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
While this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
