Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," said one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Beyond these regions, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world bodies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
