The Australian controversial move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a good first step," commented a leading MEP supporting the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, other states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this international conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that states globally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
