Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to pass a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not enact binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on robust evidence".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level amid national stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global organizations adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
