Australia's bold action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," stated a leading MEP behind the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have raised concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
