The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a good first step," commented the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong data".
Previously, interest built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to mimic this path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of these regions, other countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations strike a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
As this international discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
