A Global Spotlight on Youth and Social Media
Recent rulings and debates in the US have renewed global interest in the topic of social media and children/youth. In light of rising concerns in mental health, privacy, and online security issues, all countries are in a race to introduce their own measures of restricting or controlling social media for children and youth.
One of the major changes in US law has sparked debate and comparison with other international measures, with other countries taking stronger measures in regulating social media for children and youth.
“This is not just an American issue,” said a digital policy expert. “Countries around the world are grappling with how to protect children in an increasingly online world.”
Europe Takes a Regulatory Lead
Some of the European countries are among the countries that have been at the forefront in regulating the use of social media among minors. For example, in its comprehensive digital policy, the European Union has put in place stringent regulations on data protection, including minors. The regulations were enacted in line with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
For example, it requires that the social media sites seek permission from the minors’ parents before they can collect data from minors who are below a certain age, which ranges from 13 to 16 years.
“We’ve taken a rights-based approach. Children should have the same level of protection online as they do offline.”
Some of the European countries, such as France, are planning to enact legislation that requires that minors seek permission from their parents before they can register on any of the social media sites. In addition, the regulations also require that the minors limit their usage during school hours.
United Kingdom Focuses on Platform Responsibility
Another country that has taken a keen interest in ensuring that social media companies are held responsible for the kind of content that children are exposed to is the United Kingdom. This is through the country’s Online Safety system.
“The approach is to shift the focus from parents to social media companies,” said a policy analyst in the United Kingdom. “Companies need to create safe environments for children from the onset.”
Components such as default privacy settings for minors, filtering, and verification are very important in the system of the United Kingdom. However, there is a worry that there is a problem of enforcement, especially for companies that are not from that country.
Asia’s Strict Time Limits and Curfews
In Asia, there are countries that have taken even more concrete steps in regulating the time spent online. For example, in China, the government has implemented very strict regulations on the gaming and social media activities of minors. “These policies are very prescriptive,” said the researcher. “They are setting very specific boundaries around when and how young people can be online.”
Another country that has taken concrete steps in regulating the time spent online is South Korea. For example, the country implemented the “shutdown law,” which placed restrictions on gaming at night for minors.
Australia and Age Verification Efforts
Australia has also placed more emphasis on the age verification system, as well as ensuring accountability on the part of the tech companies. It has proposed various measures that require tech companies to take reasonable measures to verify the age of their users, as well as ensuring that underage children do not access their services.
“There is a need to make sure that children are not slipping through the cracks,” said one of the Australian lawmakers. “That begins with understanding who is actually using these platforms.”
Australia has also proposed imposing sanctions on the tech companies that fail to protect the underage children, which shows their willingness to be strict in dealing with the issue.
Latin America’s Emerging Frameworks
The process of regulating the use of social media among children in Latin American countries is in the developing stage. However, the pace at which it is developing is increasing. The countries in Latin America are copying the European model in formulating new regulations.
“There’s a shift in the region toward stronger regulations,” said the policy expert. “Countries are recognizing the need to do something.”
There are countries in Latin America that have formulated laws on data protection, safety, and education. However, the implementation of these regulations varies.
Balancing Safety and Access
Throughout all of these domains, one of the biggest concerns is finding the right balance between protecting children and allowing access to technology that is beneficial in terms of education and socialization.
“Social media isn’t inherently bad,” said a child development specialist. “It’s about how it’s used and how risks are managed.”
However, it is also important to note that policymakers should also be taking into account the role of parents and education in children’s lives as well.
“There’s no single solution,” said the specialist.
Industry Pushback and Practical Challenges
The measures put in place to regulate children’s usage of social media have also had some challenges. For example, some technology companies have come forward with their concerns over these measures. They argue that these measures may inhibit innovation.
“There’s a risk of going too far,” said a tech industry representative. “We need solutions that are effective but also practical.”
For example, it may be difficult to verify children’s ages due to privacy concerns. In addition, it may also be difficult to restrict children’s time spent using social media due to the interconnected world.
“These are complex systems,” said the representative. “Simple rules don’t always translate into simple outcomes.”
What the U.S. Can Learn
Courtesy Of Glenn Madden ( Flickr CC0)Yet, as the United States continues to grapple with its own legal and regulatory challenges, there are lessons to be learned from other parts of the world.
For example, in terms of how Europe handles the issue of data protection, and in terms of platform accountability, it is an interesting model to follow. In addition, in terms of how the countries of Asia handle the issue of strict control over the way in which the Internet is used, it is an interesting model to follow.
“There’s a lot to learn from what’s already been tried,” said a U.S.-based policy analyst.
A Rapidly Evolving Landscape
Of course, as the world continues to grapple with the issue of how to regulate children’s use of social media, it is a dynamic process. New policies are emerging, new technologies are coming on board, and new things are being implemented. It is a pressing concern, and the stakes are high.
“This is about the next generation,” said a social media advocate. “How we handle this now will shape their relationship with technology for years to come.”
What is for sure, though, is that the debate is no longer about whether or not to do something, but about how to do it.
And how to do it, it seems, is different in every country.
By William Hernandez
Journalist for Vlixx Magazine, reporting on news from around the world, ensuring timely, accurate, and detailed information to keep the public informed and educated.
Sources:
AP: In the wake of US social media verdicts, a look at what limits other countries have imposed for kids
The Guardian: At last, David has landed a double punch on the tech Goliaths. Now to hit them even harder
Featured and Inset Image Courtesy of Vincent Penalba Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Glenn Madden Flickr Page- Creative Commons License
