The Australian controversial move to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," commented a leading MEP behind the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust research".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and fit for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Outside of these regions, other states are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states globally are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
