The Australian controversial policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a solid first step," commented one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust research".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional government level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this global conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
