The Australian controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a solid first step," commented one European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a influential peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the regional government level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, other states are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
As this international conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
