The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," stated the European lawmaker behind the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust research".
Last year, support gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the regional government level due to federal inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring parental consent for minors to create social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Apart from these regions, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations take a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.
As this global conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers globally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
