The Australian controversial policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Trend
In Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," stated a leading MEP behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to further research the topic.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the local government level amid national gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, additional states are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, international organizations take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
