Australia's bold action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy may be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good foundation," stated the MEP driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust research".
Last year, interest built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and fit for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the local level due to national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, world organizations strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
