The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good first step," commented one parliamentarian driving the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who died after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a leading peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the local government level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Apart from these regions, additional states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this global discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
