The Australian decisive policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the local level due to country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to copy this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from the West, further states are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, world agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers show that states globally are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
