The nation's bold move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are considering similar measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". A law may be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," said the parliamentarian driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust research".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and suitable for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to follow this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
