Australia's bold move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "taking away our children's youth". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," said a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the local level due to national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
