The Australian bold policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring comparable bans.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to enact a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good foundation," commented the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust research".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a influential peer.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is largely happening at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, further states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
While this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
