Australia's bold action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban could be "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".
Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a influential peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to mimic this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.
As this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers internationally are less and less content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
