The Australian decisive policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of nations are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "an measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong research".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the state government level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization notes 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 user protection.
As this global debate evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers show that states globally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
