Australia's bold action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," said one MEP driving the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," commented a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.
Even as this global conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
