Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust data".
Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and suitable for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, action is largely happening at the regional government level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this global conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and others show that states globally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
