The nation's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". A law could be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," commented one European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a influential peer.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the state government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this international conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers globally are no longer content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
