Australia's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," said one MEP driving the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust data".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the family of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, further states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
As this international debate continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
