The Australian bold policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are exploring comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," stated the European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust research".
Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government committed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and fit for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Apart from these regions, further states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that states internationally are no longer willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
