The Australian bold policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," said one European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the state government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to follow this example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Outside of these regions, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
While this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
