🔗 Share this article

The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," commented one European lawmaker behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust research".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the local government level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Views

Apart from these regions, other nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

As this international conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments around the world are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.