The Australian bold action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," said one European lawmaker driving the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong research".
Earlier, support built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, action is mostly happening at the state level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, other states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, international organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this international conversation continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are less and less content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
