The Australian decisive policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of nations are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not enact binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a good first step," said the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Last year, support gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and fit for young users," said a leading peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
As this global discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that governments globally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
