The Australian controversial policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to enact a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," commented the MEP supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, regulation is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Apart from the West, other states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world bodies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
