Australia's controversial action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a solid first step," stated a leading MEP behind the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the family of a girl who died after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the local level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, world bodies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.
While this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
