The Australian controversial move to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward parallel bans.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and fit for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is mostly happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some politicians to follow this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond the West, other states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.
As this global discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that governments globally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
