The Australian decisive move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, action is mostly happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
As this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states around the world are less and less content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
