The Australian controversial move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward comparable bans.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's youth". The policy may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional government level amid national gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
As this worldwide debate continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
