Australia's controversial policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a growing number of countries are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on robust data".
Previously, interest built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and fit for children," said a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the local level amid national inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others show that governments internationally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
