The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a good foundation," stated one parliamentarian behind the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on robust research".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, other countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
