The Australian bold policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward comparable bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," said a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain figures to copy this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
As this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that states globally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
