Australia's controversial move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," said a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust data".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who died after encountering harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of these regions, additional countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
Even as this international discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
