Australia's controversial move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force 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 suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," said one European lawmaker behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong data".
Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and fit for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to follow this example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations strike a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.
Even as this international discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
