The Australian bold move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," said the European lawmaker behind the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level amid federal inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Apart from the West, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
