Australia's decisive move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," commented one European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and fit for young users," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, action is mostly happening at the local government level due to national stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of these regions, additional countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
Even as this international conversation continues, the steps of this nation and others indicate that states globally are less and less willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
