Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," said one MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust data".
Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and suitable for children," stated a influential peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain figures to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
