Australia's controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward parallel bans.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," stated one MEP behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the family of a girl who died after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from some figures to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations strike a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that governments internationally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
