Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented one MEP driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust research".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who died after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to follow this path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
Even as this global conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
