Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing number of states are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," said the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," stated a leading peer.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
While this global discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers show that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
