The nation's decisive policy to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law may be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to pass a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," stated a leading MEP driving the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust evidence".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Beyond the West, other states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
As this global conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
