The Australian controversial move to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation may be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"An effective age limit is a useful first step," stated the European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong research".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and fit for minors," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the local level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, additional nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
As this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
