Australia's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," commented one parliamentarian driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Apart from the West, further countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations strike a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
While this international conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.