The Australian controversial action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Trend
In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's youth". The policy could be formalized soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to enact a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, support built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to copy this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Apart from the West, further states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
While this worldwide debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
