The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy may be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "an options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level amid federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of the West, additional countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
Even as this global debate continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
