The Australian controversial move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a good starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, momentum built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the regional level due to federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Apart from the West, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world bodies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
As this global conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
