The Australian decisive move to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law may be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not create binding law.
"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," said a leading MEP driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust research".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.
As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that states around the world are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
