The nation's bold move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level due to national stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Outside of the West, further states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.
While this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that states globally are no longer content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
