The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a growing group of nations are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation may be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "an tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a useful first step," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to copy this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and others indicate that policymakers globally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
