The Australian bold policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are considering comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," said one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the state government level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, international agencies take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
As this international conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states globally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
