Australia's controversial move to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," said one MEP behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a influential peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some figures to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.
As this international debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
