The Australian controversial action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a growing group of nations are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a law raising the minimum 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 legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a good starting point," stated the MEP driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust research".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and fit for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is mostly happening at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Beyond these regions, additional countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
