The Australian controversial move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of states are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy could be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Last year, support built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent peer.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level amid national stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that states internationally are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
