The Australian bold move to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising group of countries are considering similar measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy could be passed next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust evidence".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Apart from the West, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.
As this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
