Australia's bold action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". A law could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," said a leading MEP behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the state level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world bodies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
