Australia's bold move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government committed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local government level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond the West, additional nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
