Australia's controversial action to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a bill raising the legal 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 suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," said the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Charities have raised concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the state government level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various figures to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, additional nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, world agencies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this international discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
