The Australian bold policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," stated the MEP driving the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive data".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that states globally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
