Australia's bold action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of states are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong research".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the government committed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the regional level due to national stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
