Australia's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," said a leading MEP driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust evidence".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a leading peer.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating parental consent for minors to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some figures to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of this nation and others indicate that governments globally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
