The Australian decisive action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," said one MEP driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust evidence".
Previously, support built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level amid national inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Views
Beyond these regions, further states are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies take a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
While this global discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states internationally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.