The Australian controversial action to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering similar restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation may be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," commented one parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional government level amid federal inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some politicians to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
As this international debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that governments around the world are less and less content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
