The Australian bold action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy may be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," said one MEP behind the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the state level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
While this international discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
