The Australian bold action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to enact a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," commented one MEP behind the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and fit for young users," commented a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, action is largely happening at the state level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to mimic this example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Beyond the West, other 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 one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations take a more measured position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
As this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers show that governments internationally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
