Australia's controversial move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
European Movement
In Europe, a increasing group of states are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation may be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good first step," stated a leading MEP supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on robust data".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the state government level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of the West, additional states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of Australia and others indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
