Australia's decisive move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to pass a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and fit for children," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, action is mostly happening at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Apart from the West, additional countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this international discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that states around the world are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
