Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," stated one parliamentarian driving the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a leading peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
While this global discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers show that states globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
