The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation may be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," stated one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional level due to national gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
