Australia's controversial action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," commented one MEP driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and fit for children," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring parental consent for minors to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Outside of these regions, other nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
As this worldwide debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that governments around the world are less and less content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
