Australia's controversial action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's youth". A law is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," stated one parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, support built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and suitable for children," stated a influential peer.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this international debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
