Australia's controversial move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to pass a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of the West, additional nations are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies take a more measured position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers globally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
