The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering similar bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to block their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," stated the MEP behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on robust data".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the regional level amid national inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to follow this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
While this international conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
