Australia's controversial move to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
In Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a good starting point," said a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional government level amid national gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of these regions, other nations are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
