🔗 Share this article

The Australian decisive policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a growing number of nations are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid first step," stated a leading MEP driving the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond the West, additional nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, world organizations strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

While this global discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.