Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation may be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," stated the MEP behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Earlier, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who died after encountering harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the state government level due to national inaction.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, other countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global bodies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
As this international discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
