The Australian controversial move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring parallel bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," commented one parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," stated a influential peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is mostly occurring at the local level amid national gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, additional nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
