The Australian bold policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law may be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to approve a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to block their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," stated one parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization established by the family of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
While this international debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
