Australia's controversial move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not create binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," said one parliamentarian driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and suitable for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Beyond these regions, further nations are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global organizations strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this international debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that governments internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
