Australia's decisive action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law could be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," said a leading MEP supporting the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and suitable for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local government level amid national gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, other nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
Even as this international debate evolves, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
