The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, action is largely happening at the state level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, world agencies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
As this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
