Australia's controversial action to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to approve a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential peer.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, action is largely occurring at the state government level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to copy this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
While this international discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are less and less content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
