The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," said the European lawmaker behind the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent peer.
America: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, further nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others show that states internationally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
