Australia's decisive move to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," stated the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust research".
Last year, support built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and fit for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level amid federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this worldwide debate continues, the steps of Australia and others show that governments globally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
