Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring comparable bans.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," stated the MEP supporting the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who died after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from these regions, other states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this international debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that states globally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
