The Australian bold policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," commented the MEP driving the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".
Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, regulation is largely happening at the state level amid national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that states internationally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
