Australia's controversial move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," said one European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, support built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is largely occurring at the local level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to follow this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Apart from the West, further states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
