Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful first step," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
While this global discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that states internationally are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
