The Australian controversial action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy could be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong data".
Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the topic.
Charities have raised warnings. An organization founded by the family of a girl who died after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to copy this path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Apart from the West, additional countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this international debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments globally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
