The Australian controversial move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing number of nations are considering similar bans.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," commented the parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong data".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and fit for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to copy this path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
As this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of Australia and others indicate that policymakers globally are less and less content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
