The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a good foundation," commented one European lawmaker behind the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the state level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some politicians to copy this path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Beyond the West, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this global discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
