Australia's controversial action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of states are exploring parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," said the European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong research".
Last year, interest grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state government level due to country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
As this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of this nation and others show that governments globally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
