The Australian bold policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," commented the MEP driving the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations take a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
