Australia's bold policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a growing group of states are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a good starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. An organization established by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and fit for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, further states are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this international debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
