The Australian decisive action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be passed next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," said a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Apart from the West, additional states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this international discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
