The Australian controversial policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to enact a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," commented a leading MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust research".
Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Apart from the West, further countries are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
As this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of this nation and others indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
