🔗 Share this article

The Australian bold move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

In Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law may be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, interest built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond the West, additional nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.