The Australian controversial policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong research".
Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the state level amid national inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to mimic this path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
Even as this global conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that governments internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
