The Australian decisive move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," said one MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust research".
Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation established by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," said a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.
As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers show that policymakers globally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
