The Australian bold move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," said the parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the state government level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring parental consent for minors to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of these regions, additional nations are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.
As this worldwide debate continues, the steps of Australia and others show that governments around the world are no longer content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
