Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy may be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and fit for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the local level due to national gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
Even as this international conversation continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that states globally are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
