Australia's decisive policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Trend
In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," said one MEP supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is mostly happening at the state level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this global discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
