The Australian bold move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," stated a leading MEP driving the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the regional government level amid country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other states are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global organizations adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this international discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers globally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
