The Australian controversial action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing number of states are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," said one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive data".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a prominent peer.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is largely occurring at the regional level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.
While this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers globally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
