Australia's bold action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," said one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong data".
Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and fit for children," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the local government level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to copy this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond the West, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this global debate continues, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states globally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
