The Australian controversial action to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a good foundation," said one European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust research".
Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have raised concerns. An organization established by the family of a young person who died after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and fit for children," said a influential peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Apart from the West, other countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.
Even as this global conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that governments around the world are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
