The Australian controversial policy to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," commented the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to further research the topic.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, other states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
While this international conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that states internationally are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
