The Australian bold move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring comparable measures.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation may be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," commented the parliamentarian driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level amid federal inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond these regions, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this international debate continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
