Australia's decisive action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," stated one European lawmaker behind the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, action is largely occurring at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.
While this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that governments globally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
