The Australian decisive move to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," said one MEP supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust data".
Earlier, support built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to further research the topic.
Charities have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is largely happening at the regional government level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Outside of the West, additional states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.
As this global debate evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers indicate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
