Australia's bold action to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good starting point," commented the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong research".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding parental consent for minors to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further states are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, global agencies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
