The Australian bold policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," commented the MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".
Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level due to national gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to follow this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this international debate evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that governments globally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
