Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a bill 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 suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," said one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is largely happening at the local government level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
While this global debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are less and less content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
