Australia's controversial action to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," stated the MEP driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," said a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Beyond these regions, additional nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
While this worldwide debate continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
