Australia's bold policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law may be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," commented one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Last year, support built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and fit for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, action is mostly happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some figures to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Beyond these regions, additional nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
Even as this international debate evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
