The nation's decisive move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
The European Trend
In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's youth". The policy could be passed soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," stated one MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust research".
Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. An organization established by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the local level amid country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this global conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that governments internationally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
