The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a rising group of states are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," commented a leading MEP supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on robust research".
Previously, momentum built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level due to national stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to mimic this path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
As this global discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that governments internationally are less and less content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
