Australia's decisive move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of states are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," stated a leading MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Previously, support built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and fit for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, action is primarily happening at the state government level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Outside of these regions, other states are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
