The Australian bold action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not create binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a good first step," stated the European lawmaker behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some figures to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, further countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
