The Australian controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising number of states are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," stated one MEP driving the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and suitable for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level due to federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of the West, further states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
As this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and others show that states globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
