Australia's decisive move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.
"An effective age limit is a useful first step," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".
Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the regional level due to federal inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Outside of the West, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.
While this international conversation continues, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
