The Australian controversial move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Last year, support built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to follow this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Beyond the West, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
As this global discussion continues, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
