The Australian bold move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to block their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Charities have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and fit for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to follow this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of these regions, additional states are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
