Australia's decisive action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust data".
Last year, interest grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states internationally are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
