Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". A law may be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not create binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," commented one MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to follow this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this global debate evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
