The Australian decisive policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust data".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and fit for minors," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
As this global discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that states globally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
