The Australian controversial policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the access age for joining 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 recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a good first step," commented the MEP behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the regional government level due to federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.