The Australian bold move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring parallel bans.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not establish binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a good first step," stated one European lawmaker driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong data".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is largely occurring at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating parental consent for minors to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to copy this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, global organizations adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
While this worldwide debate continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
