The Australian bold move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said the MEP supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong research".
Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating parental consent for minors to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to copy this example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond these regions, additional nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.
As this global discussion continues, the actions of this nation and others indicate that governments around the world are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
