Australia's decisive action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring parallel measures.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". A law could be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," commented one parliamentarian behind the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong research".
Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to follow this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, other nations are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this global discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
