The Australian decisive action to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban is "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," commented one parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the state government level amid national stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of Australia and its followers show that governments globally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
