Australia's decisive action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of these regions, other nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
While this global debate evolves, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.