The Australian bold policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a good first step," said the MEP driving the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and fit for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level amid national inaction.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Outside of these regions, further states are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this global discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
