The nation's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to pass a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," stated one MEP behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust data".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and fit for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, international agencies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
While this global conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
