Australia's bold policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring parallel bans.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," stated the MEP supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization established by the family of a girl who died after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states internationally are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
