Australia's bold move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," commented the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Charities have raised warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, action is primarily happening at the regional level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain figures to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Apart from the West, further states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this global conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
