The Australian controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Trend
In Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".
Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global agencies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
While this global discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
