The Australian bold move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," stated one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the local level amid national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to copy this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this worldwide conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that states globally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
