Australia's decisive action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," stated the MEP driving the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Last year, support built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a influential peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, international organizations take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
As this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
