Note: This report includes references to teenage suicides
Following in France’s footsteps, Australia has implemented a restriction on social media usage for children, with other nations anticipated to take similar actions. The French government is advocating for a ban across the EU.
Social media companies are naturally resisting these changes as they risk losing a crucial younger audience, raising questions about the practical enforcement of the ban.
Yesterday, Australia’s parliament passed legislation prohibiting the use of social media apps by children under 16, citing the detrimental effects on the mental health of adolescents.
A plethora of studies indicate a correlation between the rise of social media and a notable decline in teenage mental health, leading to a growing consensus about a causal relationship.
There have been several instances of suicides among teens linked to social media usage:
The law in Australia was introduced by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.
“For far too many young Australians, social media can be damaging,” Rowland stated. “Nearly two-thirds of Australians aged 14 to 17 have encountered extremely harmful online content, including material related to drug use, self-harm, suicide, and violence. Additionally, one-quarter have come across content that promotes unsafe eating behaviors.”
Other Countries Expected to Follow Suit
Bloomberg reports that while France has a slightly less stringent law banning those under 15, there is an ongoing push for a comprehensive EU-wide ban.
France has renewed its efforts to keep those under 15 off social media, as highlighted by Politico this week. French Education Minister Anne Genetet, who has a medical background, told Politico during a meeting of EU education and youth ministers that the EU should adopt Australia’s approach.
The British government is also considering a similar ban and has reached out to Australia for insights on its implementation.
Predictably, social media platforms are pushing back against the proposed ban.
Meta expressed concern regarding the expedited process of the legislation, claiming it did not adequately consider existing evidence.
TikTok, owned by ByteDance from China, criticized the legislation as “rushed” and “impractical,” filled with “unanswered questions and unresolved issues.”
Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, remarked that earlier international attempts at broad age verification have not succeeded.
X (formerly Twitter), raised “serious concerns regarding the legality of the bill.”
Unclear Practicalities
It remains uncertain what methods will be used for age verification. The government has voiced disapproval of using official documents like passports due to privacy issues.
A significant challenge lies in the fact that teenagers are among the most technologically adept groups and may easily find ways to bypass the ban. The law places the accountability on social media platforms, which would face penalties for allowing underage access rather than on children or their parents.
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