Australia's decisive action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Trend
In Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," said one European lawmaker driving the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Previously, support built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and fit for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of these regions, other countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international organizations take a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this global discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that governments internationally are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
