Australia's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's youth". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," commented a leading MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Beyond these regions, additional nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.
While this international debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
