The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of states are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong research".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the state level due to national stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
As this global discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
