The Australian decisive action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a good first step," said the MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration vowed to further research the issue.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to follow this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, other countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, international agencies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and others indicate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
