The Australian controversial move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of states are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a good first step," stated the MEP behind the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the state level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are less and less content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
