The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation may be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.
"A clear age limit is a solid first step," said the European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level amid national gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
Even as this international discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
