The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward parallel measures.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to pass a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," stated one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Outside of these regions, further states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of this nation and others show that policymakers globally are no longer content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
