Australia's controversial action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," commented one MEP supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive data".
Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state level amid national stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to follow this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Apart from these regions, additional states are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
While this international discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others indicate that governments around the world are less and less content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
