🔗 Share this article

The Australian decisive move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," commented a leading MEP supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the local level due to national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Outside of these regions, other countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments globally are increasingly content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.