The nation's bold move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," commented the MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level due to national inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from some politicians to follow this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
As this global discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers globally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
