Australia's bold move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "an measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," said the MEP behind the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering harmful online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to follow this example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Outside of the West, additional states are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world bodies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
As this international conversation continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
