The Australian bold move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a useful first step," said the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have raised warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level amid country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
