The Australian decisive move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a rising number of states are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to pass a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and fit for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the local level amid country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this international debate continues, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
