The Australian bold action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," commented one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who died after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
As this international discussion continues, the steps of Australia and its followers show that governments around the world are less and less willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
