The Australian decisive action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy could be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, support built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the state level amid national inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of these regions, further states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are no longer content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
