The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," stated one European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on strong evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the local government level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers show that governments globally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
