The Australian controversial action to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering similar bans.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," commented one MEP driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the local level due to national stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
While this global discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments internationally are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
