Australia's controversial policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering parallel bans.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the local level amid country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
While this international conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that governments internationally are no longer content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
