The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," said one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong research".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who died after encountering harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level amid national inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, further states are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this global discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
