Australia's decisive action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring parallel bans.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," commented one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Previously, support built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government committed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, action is primarily occurring at the state level amid national inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some individuals to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
As this global discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that states globally are no longer content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
