The Australian bold action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a growing group of states are exploring parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," stated one MEP behind the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust data".
Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the regional level due to national inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, further nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies take a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that governments around the world are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
