The Australian controversial action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust data".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and suitable for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is largely happening at the regional government level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Apart from the West, other states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this global conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and others indicate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
