The Australian controversial action to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," commented the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and suitable for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the state level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to follow this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, further countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
While this international conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
