Australia's controversial policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a increasing number of states are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," said one MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong research".
Last year, support built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the regional government level amid country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Outside of these regions, additional nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
