Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," commented one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust data".
Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and fit for young users," stated a leading peer.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond the West, additional states are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
Even as this international debate continues, the actions of Australia and others indicate that governments globally are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
