The Australian bold move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," said one parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust research".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the local government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to follow this path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Beyond these regions, further countries are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.
As this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
