The Australian bold action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," stated the parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust data".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Charities have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the state level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Outside of these regions, other nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this worldwide debate continues, the actions of Australia and its followers show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
