Australia's controversial action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward parallel bans.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation could be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," commented one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of the West, additional countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
As this global debate unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers show that policymakers globally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
