The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law could be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a good foundation," said the MEP driving the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong research".
Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the regional government level due to federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating parental consent for minors to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to follow this example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Beyond these regions, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, world agencies take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.
Even as this global discussion continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
