Australia's controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Trend
In Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good starting point," said one MEP behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and fit for minors," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional government level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from some individuals to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
As this global debate unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
