The Australian bold policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not establish binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," said the parliamentarian behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust data".
Earlier, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the local level amid federal inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from various figures to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Beyond the West, additional states are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
As this international debate evolves, the steps of this nation and others indicate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
