The Australian controversial move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the legal 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 related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation established by the family of a young person who died after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and fit for young users," said a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.
Even as this global discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
