Australia's bold policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law may be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," said the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust data".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the state government level amid country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
