The Australian bold policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," said one MEP supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive research".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the regional government level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this global conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers show that governments globally are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
