Could Different States Pursue Australia's Lead in Banning Online Networks for Youth Under Sixteen?

The Australian bold policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," said one parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong data".

Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this international debate continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.