Australia's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong data".
Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and fit for young users," stated a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Outside of these regions, further states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies take a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.
Even as this global debate evolves, the steps of this nation and others indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
