🔗 Share this article

Australia's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

In Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," said the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," stated a leading peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various figures to copy this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Outside of the West, further states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this global conversation continues, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.