The Australian bold action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering similar bans.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," said the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust research".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," said a influential peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the state level amid national inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
As this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
