The Australian bold policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's youth". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban could be "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," said a leading MEP behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and fit for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, action is largely occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Outside of these regions, additional nations are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this global conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments around the world are no longer content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
