The Australian controversial move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," said the MEP behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.
As this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and others show that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
