Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a good starting point," commented one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the state government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to copy this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies take a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this international debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
