The Australian controversial policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy may be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a good first step," stated one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the regional government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of the West, additional countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.
As this global discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are less and less content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
