The Australian bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's youth". A law may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of the West, additional nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this global conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and others indicate that governments around the world are increasingly content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
