The Australian controversial policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a bill 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 recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," said one European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive data".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and suitable for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the local level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, further nations are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, international agencies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this global debate evolves, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
