Australia's decisive action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of states are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good foundation," commented one European lawmaker driving the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust evidence".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to mimic this path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Outside of the West, further states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global agencies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
As this international debate unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that states internationally are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
