The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a good first step," stated one parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on robust data".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a influential peer.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
While this international conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and others show that governments globally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
