Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of countries are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not establish binding law.
"A strong age limit is a useful first step," said one parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the regional government level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to copy this path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of Australia and its followers show that states internationally are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
