The Australian controversial action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a solid first step," commented the European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this global conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
