The Australian controversial move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". A law may be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a good foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust data".
Earlier, support built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to follow this path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from the West, additional nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this international conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that governments internationally are no longer content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.