Australia's bold action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," said one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Last year, interest built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a influential peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the state level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
While this international discussion continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that states internationally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
