The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Movement
Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on robust research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is primarily happening at the regional government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy this path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond the West, further states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
