The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," said the MEP behind the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".
Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a leading peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is mostly happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this global discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
