The Australian controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," stated a leading MEP supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong research".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government vowed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of the West, other nations are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, international bodies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this global debate continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
