The Australian bold action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to enact a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," commented a leading MEP supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, regulation is largely happening at the regional level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, other states are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
As this global discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers show that policymakers globally are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
