Australia's bold move to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". The policy may be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," stated one European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust research".
Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a leading peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, additional countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this worldwide debate continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that states internationally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
