The Australian controversial action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of nations are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," commented one European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some figures to follow this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Outside of the West, other nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
