The Australian bold action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a rising number of states are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust data".
Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and fit for young users," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the state level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, further countries are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
While this international debate evolves, the actions of Australia and others show that governments internationally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
