Australia's controversial move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good first step," said the MEP driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Last year, support gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent peer.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is mostly happening at the regional level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Apart from these regions, other nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.
As this international conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
