The nation's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". A law may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," said the MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the regional level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Beyond these regions, additional nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, international organizations take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.
As this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of Australia and others indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
