The Australian bold action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," stated one parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is primarily happening at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, international bodies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
While this global conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
