The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," said a leading MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization set up by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, further states are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this international discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
