The Australian controversial action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," stated the MEP behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive data".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and fit for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional government level due to national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to copy this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of the West, other states are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.
While this global conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
