Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "an tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a good first step," said the MEP behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and fit for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is mostly happening at the regional government level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to follow this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, additional countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
While this global conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers show that states internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
