The Australian bold action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of states are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," stated the parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is mostly happening at the regional level due to federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, additional states are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this global discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
