Australia's controversial policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing number of nations are considering comparable bans.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be passed next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," stated one European lawmaker driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, other countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global bodies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
While this global conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
