The Australian decisive move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing group of nations are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong data".
Previously, support built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the local level amid national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Outside of these regions, further countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states globally are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
