Australia's controversial action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust research".
Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Outside of the West, additional nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global organizations take a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states globally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
