The Australian decisive action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust data".
Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the state level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond the West, additional states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
