The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring parallel measures.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong research".
Previously, support built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and fit for children," said a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Apart from these regions, additional countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
As this global discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that governments internationally are no longer content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
