The Australian controversial move to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong research".
Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the state government level due to national stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, additional countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation continues, the actions of Australia and others show that states around the world are less and less content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
