The Australian controversial move to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to pass a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and fit for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to national gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, additional states are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
