🔗 Share this article

Australia's bold action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related move, including 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.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," commented the parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, support built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, action is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond Europe and the US, other states are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, world agencies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.