Australia's controversial move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Trend
In Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "an measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," said one MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong data".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
