The nation's bold move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are exploring comparable bans.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," stated a leading MEP behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".
Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful online content argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the state government level due to federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to follow this example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Apart from these regions, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
While this global conversation continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
