Australia's controversial move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". A law may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to approve a law raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," commented one MEP supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and suitable for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to mimic this path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Apart from these regions, further nations are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, international agencies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
As this international conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and others show that states internationally are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
