The Australian bold move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward comparable bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," commented the European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and suitable for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the regional level due to country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of these regions, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
