The Australian decisive action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
In Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust research".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and fit for minors," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are less and less willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
