Australia's bold action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward comparable bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong data".
Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, regulation is largely happening at the state government level amid national stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.
While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are less and less content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
