The Australian controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust research".
Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.
While this international discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and others indicate that governments globally are no longer content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
