The nation's decisive policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a rising group of states are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law may be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," commented the MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".
Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the state government level amid national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, global agencies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.
As this global debate evolves, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
