The Australian bold move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," stated the parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a influential peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level due to national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Beyond these regions, other countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
As this international debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others show that governments around the world are increasingly content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
