Australia's controversial move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age limit is a useful first step," said the European lawmaker driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and fit for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the regional government level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from these regions, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this global conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
