The nation's controversial policy to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of these regions, additional countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.
While this international debate continues, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
