Australia's bold policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong research".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to follow this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
As this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
