The Australian controversial move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
In Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," stated a leading MEP supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong data".
Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and fit for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the regional level due to federal inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Outside of the West, other nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this international discussion continues, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
