Australia's controversial action to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of nations are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation may be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," stated one MEP driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong data".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, other states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of Australia and others show that governments internationally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
