The Australian controversial move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy could be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a good first step," said one MEP behind the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from some politicians to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, world agencies take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
While this global discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
