Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to pass a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good starting point," stated a leading MEP behind the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization established by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional government level due to federal inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to follow this path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Apart from the West, additional states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
