The Australian bold move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," stated a leading MEP supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and fit for children," said a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is mostly occurring at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Beyond the West, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
