Australia's controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are exploring similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". A law could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," stated the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Last year, support built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the state government level amid country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of these regions, further countries are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
While this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of this nation and others show that governments internationally are no longer content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
