Australia's controversial action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Trend
In Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in strong research".
Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government vowed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
While this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
