The Australian controversial policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a growing number of states are considering comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". A law may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," commented the MEP supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of the West, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
As this international debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that states internationally are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
