Australia's controversial policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," stated the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong data".
Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the state government level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various figures to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this global conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and others show that governments globally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
