Australia's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to enact a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a good foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong data".
Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the local government level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, additional countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
As this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
