The nation's bold action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," said a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, action is primarily happening at the regional level due to national inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to follow this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, additional countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
