The Australian decisive move to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of states are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," commented one parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level amid federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Apart from the West, additional countries are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
