The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Movement
Across Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented the MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong data".
Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to follow this path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from these regions, further states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
As this global debate continues, the steps of Australia and others show that states around the world are increasingly content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
