The Australian bold move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". A law may be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," commented the European lawmaker driving the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong data".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from some figures to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
While this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments globally are less and less content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
