Australia's controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of nations are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," stated one parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and fit for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this global conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others show that states around the world are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
