Australia's controversial move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," said one parliamentarian driving the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong research".
Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this international conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
