Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and suitable for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the local level due to national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some politicians to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Beyond the West, further nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global debate continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
