The Australian controversial policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are considering similar restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a good first step," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong data".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who died after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to follow this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this global debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
