Australia's bold action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward similar bans.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good first step," commented a leading MEP behind the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong research".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," commented a influential peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the local level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Outside of the West, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this international discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and others indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
