Australia's bold move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a growing number of nations are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," said the MEP supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who died after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the regional government level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
