Australia's controversial action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy could be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to pass a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged families to block their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"An effective age limit is a solid first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong data".
Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and fit for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the state government level due to national inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations take a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
As this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
