The Australian bold policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
While this international discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and others indicate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
