Australia's bold policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to copy this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Beyond the West, other countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.
While this global discussion continues, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
