Australia's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good first step," said the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local level due to federal inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of these regions, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world agencies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
As this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
