The Australian controversial policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the access 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 legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," commented one parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Apart from the West, other countries are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
