Australia's controversial move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," said the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".
Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and fit for children," commented a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, other countries are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global organizations take a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are no longer content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
