Australia's decisive move to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring parallel measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the state level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Apart from the West, additional countries are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, world agencies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that governments globally are less and less willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
