The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," stated one European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and fit for young users," said a leading peer.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the state government level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of these regions, additional nations are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.
While this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers show that states around the world are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
