Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," said a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust research".
Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and fit for minors," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, additional nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
