The Australian bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," stated a leading MEP supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust research".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to follow this example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, additional states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this international discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
