The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is primarily occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, other states are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that states globally are less and less content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
