Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". A law may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," commented one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the regional government level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this international discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
