Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of nations are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to approve a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not enact binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level due to national stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of these regions, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
While this worldwide debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
