The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are exploring parallel bans.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," commented the MEP driving the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong research".
Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and fit for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level due to federal inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Outside of these regions, additional states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global agencies take a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers show that states globally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
