IEEE Spectrum breed · Technology

Global Efforts to Protect Children from Social Media Harms

Governments worldwide are exploring ways to mitigate social media risks for minors, as parental and self-regulation proves insufficient. Australia has banned social media for those under 16, shifting responsibility to platforms for age verification.

Australia's ban requires platforms to prevent under-16s from holding accounts, with penalties up to $35.6 million. Platforms removed millions of young accounts, but rights groups cite free expression concerns.

Early Australian outcomes show reduced child account ownership and use. Parents report positive changes, and platforms are adapting features for younger users.

Implementing age checks remains difficult, with many under-16s bypassing restrictions. This prompts Australia to increase penalties for non-compliant tech giants.

Other nations like Brazil, Canada, and the UK are considering similar restrictions, focusing on effective, privacy-preserving age verification methods.

Reliable age verification is technically challenging and raises privacy issues. IEEE develops standards for safer online environments, including age verification systems.

Beyond bans, addictive platform design needs addressing. Meta settled a $17.1 billion lawsuit over addictive features and concealed research on Instagram's impact.

A collective approach involving policy, safer design, and parental involvement is crucial. Collaboration is needed to create secure digital spaces for adolescent development.

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