The Australian controversial move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering comparable bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to pass a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," said one MEP behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the regional government level amid national inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to follow this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this worldwide debate continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
