The Australian decisive policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to pass a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," commented the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust research".
Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to follow this example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
While this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of this nation and its followers show that states around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
