Australia's decisive action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a rising group of countries are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
As this global conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
