The Australian controversial move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who died after encountering harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Outside of the West, other nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, international agencies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and others show that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
